3 minute read

Karl Burke raider makes all for Group One glory

Laurens made every yard of the running to inflict a dramatic defeat on Alpha Centauri in the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Alpha Centauri was sent off the 30-100 market leader as she went in search of her fifth Group One win on the bounce, but it was Karl Burke’s Laurens who spoiled the party for the home favourite.

A multiple Group One winner herself, including in the French Oaks, Laurens stays well in excess of the mile trip and Daniel Tudhope – deputising for the injured PJ McDonald – was keen to capitalise on her guaranteed stamina and set out to make every yard of the running.

She was in control with two furlongs to run, but Alpha Centauri appeared to be just hitting top gear for Colm O’Donoghue down the outside, with Magical also trying to make her presence felt between the two.

However, Alpha Centauri appeared to momentarily falter as she went upsides Laurens, and the British raider took full advantage, going on to win at odds of 10-1.